15 RAINBOW EUCALYPTUS TREES
No, you’re not in a fairy tale. The Fantasia-colored trees are real. See them growing near ‘Ulupalakua Vineyards Upcountry, or at mile marker 7 on the Hāna Highway.
16 BASKING TURTLES
Over the last decade, Maui’s green sea turtles (honu) have resumed an ancient ritual: coming ashore to catch some zzzs. Turtles can be seen on a dozen Maui beaches, basking in the sun—and in the attention of appreciative beachgoers. Reminder: Disturbing sea
turtles is against the law. Stay at least ten feet from the snoozing reptiles.
17 LAHAINA JODO MISSION BUDDHA
The first Japanese nationals arrived in Hawai‘i in 1868. One hundred years later, a twelve-foot-tall Buddha followed, to commemorate the issei (first wave of immigrants) and their
descendants. The three-and-a-half-ton statue sits with its back to West Maui’s Mauna Kahalawai, gazing serenely at the gilded Pacific.
18 KEAWALA‘I CHURCH
Devout Hawaiians built this seaside sanctuary in 1832, originally out of pili grass, later of stone and coral mortar. From the altar made of ‘iliahi, ‘ulu, milo and koa woods, pastors expound on God’s love in English and Hawaiian. Classical concerts here draw crowds that spill out the doors. 190 Mākena Road, Mākena. keawalai.org
19 MAUI HUMANE SOCIETY
When COVID-19 layoffs left folks financially strapped, the society secured grants to start 4Ever Pets, a program that provides pet owners with free pet food—over 3K pounds and counting. It’s one of many successful initiatives, like Beach Buddies (hosting a dog for a day), and Wings of Aloha (flying animals off island into adoption-guaranteed care).
